An audit of external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) in epilepsy

External trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) is a non-invasive neurostimulation treatment for drug refractory epilepsy. There is limited published data on the efficacy of eTNS and none relating to quality of life, mood or effect on sleep quality.

We audited its use in 42 patients with drug refractory epilepsy at a tertiary centre, between 02/04/2013 and 14/08/2015. Data was collected on seizure frequency, quality of life, mood and sleep quality before and after initiating treatment.

45% of patients continued to use eTNS at the end of the audit period. We observed a significant improvement in both quality of life and mood in those without intellectual disabilities. A decrease in seizures (-11.0%, min -60, max +65) was observed though this did not reach statistical significance with the relatively small numbers available for analysis.

Further controlled studies are required to confirm the efficacy of eTNS. However, as it is non-invasive, flexible and safe eTNS can be considered as an option in patients with drug refractory epilepsy.